(NAPSI)—Your home is meant to be a retreat from the world—quiet
and relaxing. However, that peaceful setting can quickly turn to chaos when
unwanted noise enters the picture. The good news is that there are several
things you can do to prevent unwanted sounds from interrupting your
activities, whether you’re resting, working or enjoying some
much-needed leisure time.
1. Use soundproofing insulation in
your walls and ceilings. This typically has the most dramatic effect in
reducing sound than any other strategy. Opt for insulation that has a dense
composition and nondirectional fiber structure for
better sound suppression. Many contractors recommend Roxul
Safe’n’Sound because it is highly effective
and easy to install—even for a do-it-yourselfer. It also offers
superior fire protection and is Greenguard
certified for indoor air quality. For best results, install resilient
channels before applying drywall.
2. Replace older appliances with
quieter models. If your dishwasher sounds like a freight train running
through the house, then it might be time to replace it. Fortunately, many of
today’s dishwashers are designed with quiet technology, reducing the
noise level by half or more.
3. Decorate with sound-absorbing
materials. A vast array of products are
available to help your sound-reduction strategy. Try using decorative
acoustic ceiling tiles, carpeting and area rugs or sound-blocking drapes.
Opting for materials that absorb sound will help reduce echoes and
reverberations from within a room.
4. Ditch the hollow-core doors.
These often come standard, especially in new homes. Replace them with
solid-core models. They’re more expensive but they make a remarkable
difference. Some solid-core doors even use premium core materials, such as
stone wool, which increase fire resistance, as well.
5. Keep noise under wraps. Calm
the sound of noisy pipes with plumbing insulation. Air ducts can also cause
nuisance sound. Duct wrap is an inexpensive solution. Apply where possible,
and insist on it during the installation of any new HVAC system.
6. Let in light, not sound. If
you need to replace your windows, you’ll notice a significant
difference in the way newer models stop sound from infiltrating your home. If
you’re not ready for the expense, a tube of acoustic caulking and
weather stripping can soften unwanted outdoor noise.
Learn More
For further facts, go to www.roxul.com.
• Mr. Lipford
is a home improvement expert and host of the nationally syndicated TV and
radio show “Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.”
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)